Swiss Spike Moss

Selaginella helvetica

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile: moist, slightly acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Other features: glossy, bronze-green leaves maturing to dark green
• Hardiness: frost tender
  
  Often found in forests, this fern-like moss hails from central and eastern Europe but can be found as far east as Sberia and North East China. One of the oldest plant species, it is reckoned to have been around for over 320 million years. Selaginella Helvetica prefers a moist shady spot and slightly acid soil. It quickly forms dense mats that covers bare ground, rocks or stone walls. An ideal plant for a rockery or grown in and around boulders near water. In cold winters the finely divided leaves turn an attractive reddish colour.
  
  
• Garden care: Water well during the warmer weather when it can be planted outside. They love high humidity, so mist it with water regularly. In winter, you will need to move it to a frost free spot and cut right back on the watering.
  
  

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